College football's 2025 season kicks off with a bang when the Syracuse Orange storm into Knoxville for a high-stakes Week 1 showdown against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Aflac Kickoff Game. This neutral-site clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium isn't just an opener—it's a statement game for two programs hungry to prove they belong in the national conversation. The Orange, fresh off a campaign that saw them flirt with the Top 25, will look to announce their arrival against an SEC powerhouse, while the Volunteers aim to build on their recent resurgence under Josh Heupel's explosive offense.

With both teams entering uncharted territory—Syracuse seeking its first signature win under new leadership and Tennessee looking to avoid early-season stumbles that plagued them in 2024—this matchup promises fireworks from the opening whistle. The Orange's physical defense will be tested by a Volunteers offense that thrives on tempo and big plays, while Tennessee's revamped secondary faces a Syracuse passing attack eager to make its mark. In a game where momentum swings could dictate the entire season's narrative, every snap will carry playoff-level intensity. Buckle up: the road to December starts right here, under the Atlanta dome.